Deodorant including at least one fruit acid and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

In an example, the deodorant includes a solution. The solution includes a diluent and at least one fruit acid (i.e., at least one alpha hydroxy acid). The solution may also include at least one probiotic. In an embodiment, the deodorant may also include at least one applicator that is configured to hold the solution, such as at least one pad. In an embodiment, a method of using the deodorant may include contacting the armpit (e.g., axilla) or another region of the body with the deodorant to control the body odor of the individual.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/708,252, filed Dec. 9, 2019, entitled “Deodorant Includingat Least One Fruit Acid and Methods of Using the Same”, which claimspriority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/787,885, filed Jan. 3, 2019,entitled “DEODORANT PADS,” the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Deodorants are often applied to the body to control body odor caused bythe bacterial proliferation that is present and flourishes in thepresence of perspiration in armpits, feet, and other areas of the body.A subgroup of deodorants, antiperspirants, control body odor as well asprevent perspiration by affecting sweat glands. Antiperspirants aretypically applied to the armpits while deodorants may also be used onother areas of the body (e.g., feet).

Deodorants are often applied in stick, spray, rollerball, or cream.Typically, deodorants include baking soda, magnesium, aluminum (e.g.,aluminum salts), or other substances. Deodorants deposit a film on theindividual and/or use fragrances to control the body odor.

Fruit acid is commonly used as a facial exfoliant. For example, thefruit acid may be applied to the face of an individual using pads,cotton balls, or other applicators. The fruit acid may be applied toregions of the face, avoiding eyes and lips, at concentrations greaterthan 7 weight %, such as about 7 weight % to about 30 weight %, due tothe insensitivity of these regions of the face. Individuals withsensitive skin may remove the fruit acid a few minutes after applyingthe fruit acid to the skin. Fruit acid is applied to the face due tofruit acid's ability to desquamate surface skin cells from the face andtreat such conditions as acne.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a deodorant is disclosed. The deodorant includes atleast one pad defining a plurality of pores and a solution occupying atleast a portion of the plurality of pores. The solution includes adiluent, at least one fruit acid, and at least one probiotic.

In an embodiment, a method of using a deodorant is disclosed. Thedeodorant includes at least one pad defining a plurality of pores and asolution occupying at least a portion of the plurality of pores. Thesolution includes a diluent, at least one fruit acid, and at least oneprobiotic. The method includes contacting the at least one pad againstat least one armpit.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used incombination with one another, without limitation. In addition, otherfeatures and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure,wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similarelements or features in different views or embodiments shown in thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a deodorant that includes a pad,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a package with a cutaway illustrating the padof FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a group that includes a plurality ofpackages, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein include deodorants and methods of usingthe deodorants. In an example, the deodorant includes a solution. Thesolution includes a diluent and at least one fruit acid (i.e., at leastone alpha hydroxy acid). The solution may also include at least oneprobiotic. In an embodiment, the deodorant may also include at least oneapplicator that is configured to hold the solution, such as at least onepad. In an embodiment, a method of using the deodorant may includecontacting the armpit (e.g., axilla) or another region of the body withthe deodorant to control the body odor of the individual.

The diluent of the deodorant is a liquid in which the other componentsof the deodorant (e.g., the fruit acid, the probiotic, the applicator,etc.) are disposed. In other words, the diluent dilutes the othercomponents of the deodorant (e.g., the diluent is a solvent). Thediluent may be selected to dissolve the other components of thedeodorant and/or have the other components of the deodorant suspendedtherein. The diluent may be the largest component of the deodorant, byweight and/or volume. The diluent is non-active, that is, has little tono effect on the function of the deodorant other than diluting the othercomponents of the deodorant and/or substantially does not react with theother components of the deodorant. In an example, the diluent includeswater since water substantially does not react with the fruit acid. Inan example, the diluent may include an alcohol even though the alcoholmay slightly react with the fruit acid to form water.

The solution includes at least one fruit acid because the fruit acidprevents the bacterial proliferation that produces body odor. The fruitacid may prevent the bacterial proliferation by removing at least one ofthe sebum deposits (i.e., the body's natural oils) or desquamated skincells from the epidermis. The sebum deposits along with desquamated skincells, may harbor the bacteria that cause body odor to grow. As such,removing at least one of the sebum deposits or the desquamated skincells from the skin using the fruit acid prevents or at least inhibitsthe growth of the bacteria that cause body odor. The fruit acid may alsoprevent the bacterial proliferation by creating an environment that isinhospitable to the bacteria that cause body odor. For example, thefruit acid may do at least one of: lower the pH in and around the skin(e.g., decrease the pH of sweat) sufficiently to inhibit bacteriagrowth, react with chemicals that are necessary for bacteria growth, orreact with the bacteria itself.

In an embodiment, the fruit acid includes glycolic acid since glycolicacid is readily available and inexpensive (which makes glycolic acidsuitable for large scale deodorant manufacture), plant-based (i.e.,vegan), a dermatologically safe and predictable exfoliant, colorless(e.g., will not stain clothes or be noticeable on the skin), odorless,hypoallergenic compound, and the acidity thereof is safe to leave on theintertriginous skin (i.e., skin fold). In an example, the fruit acidincludes at least one of lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, ortartaric acid instead of or in conjunction with glycolic acid. In anexample, the fruit acid may include glycolic acid instead of or includemore glycolic acid than the other fruit acids because glycolic acid isconsidered to be at least one of the more dermatologically safe andpredictable exfoliants than the other fruit acids, or exhibits anacidity that is more safe to leave on the intertriginous skin than theother fruit acids.

In an embodiment, the fruit acid is provided in the solution using anatural source. Examples of natural sources of fruit acid include Acersaccharum (sugar maple) extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractor other orange fruit extracts, Citrus limon (lemon) fruit extract, orother Citrus fruit extracts. In an embodiment, the fruit acid that isincluded in the solution includes a synthetic fruit acid (e.g., via afermentative process or chemical process) or a purified fruit acid. Thesynthetic or purified fruit acid may include detrimental impurities(e.g., metal from the equipment used, precursor or intermediatecompounds, catalysts, etc.) that the natural sources of fruit acid donot include.

The amount of the fruit acid in the solution is less than 15 weight %,such as less than 10 weight %, less than 9 weight %, less than 8 weight%, less than 7 weight %, less than 6 weight %, less than 5 weight %,less than 4 weight %, less than 3 weight %, less than 2 weight %, lessthan 1 weight %, or in ranges of 1 weight % to 3 weight %, 2 weight % to4 weight %, 3 weight % to 5 weight %, 4 weight % to 6 weight %, 5 weight% to 7 weight %, 6 weight % to 8 weight %, 7 weight % to 9 weight %, 8weight % to 10 weight %, or 9 weight % to 15 weight %. The amount of theprobiotic in the solution may also be about any of the above ranges orvalues disclosed above. The amount of the fruit acid in the solution maydepend on a number of factors.

In an embodiment, the amount of the fruit acid in the solution may beselected based on the region of the body that the solution is configuredto be applied. For example, the amount of the fruit acid in the solutionmay be selected to be less than about 6 weight % or about 5 weight % orless when the solution is applied to the armpit. The amount of the fruitacid in the solution is selected to be less than 6 weight % or about 5weight % or less when configured to be applied to the armpit for severalreasons. For instance, the armpit includes a moist portion and a dryportion. The moist portion of the armpit includes at least one of aportion of the armpit that (in the absence of antiperspirant) iscommonly moist, including (i.e., is in fluid communication with) theeccrine glands and the apocrine glands, or includes underarm hair. Thedry portion of the armpit includes any region of the armpit that is nota moist portion. Generally, the dry portion of the armpits are moresensitive to (e.g., are more to be irritated by) the fruit acid than thefacial skin, which limits the concentration of the fruit acid that maybe applied thereto. Additionally, the dry portions of the armpit aremore sensitive to the fruit acids than the moist portion which, in turn,limits the concentration of the fruit acid since, even though it isdesirable to only apply the solution to the moist portion of the armpit,the solution may be inadvertently applied to the dry portion of thearmpit. Additionally, the armpit is an intertriginous region (i.e., aregion where two skin areas touch and/or rub against each other) of theindividual which inhibits dilution of the solution and inhibitsdissipation of the solution. Further, the fruit acid is more active(e.g., behaves as if the fruit acid is present at higher concentrations)when the fruit acid is applied to an intertriginous region than if thefruit acid is applied to a non-intertriginous region (e.g., facialskin). Another reason the amount of the fruit acid in the solution isselected to be less than about 6 weight % or about 5 weight % or less isbecause the solution may not be removed (e.g., rinsed) from the armpit,similar to facial exfoliants, since the fruit acid must remain on thearmpit for the fruit acid to prevent or inhibit body odors. It is notedthat the amount of the fruit acid in the solution may be greater thanabout 5 weight % or greater than about 6 weight %, for example, when thesolution is configured to be applied to other regions of the body, suchas non-intertriginous regions or regions of the individual that are lesssensitive to the fruit acid than the armpit.

In an embodiment, the amount of the fruit acid in the solution maydepend on the composition of the fruit acid. For example, the fruit acidmay include more glycolic acid than other fruit acids since, aspreviously discussed, glycolic acid is generally considered to be a moredermatologically safe and predictable exfoliant than the other fruitacids or exhibits an acidity that is more safe to leave on theintertriginous skin than the other fruit acids. As such, the fruit acidmay include larger amounts of glycolic acid (e.g., about 3 weight % toabout 6 weight % or about 4 weight % to about 5 weight %) andsignificantly less amounts of other fruit acids (e.g., less than 2weight % or less than 1 weight %) when the solution includes glycolicacid and/or at least one other fruit acid and the solution is configuredto be applied to the armpit.

In an embodiment, the amount of the fruit acid in the solution dependson how frequently the solution is applied to the individual. Generally,deodorant is applied to the individual everyday over a prolonged periodof time (e.g., at least a week or at least a month). The exfoliationproperties of the fruit acid will, inherently, cause some damage to theskin. The amount of damage to the skin is directly proportional to theamount of fruit acid in the solution and the sensitivity of the skin tothe fruit acid. Even if the amount of damage to the skin is minimal, theamount of damage to the skin may become large if the skin is unable toheal itself between applications of the deodorant. As such, the amountof the fruit acid in the solution is limited such that the amount ofdamage to the skin is sufficiently small that the damage may becompletely or substantially completely healed between applications.Because of this, the amount of fruit acid in the solution may beselected to be less than about 6 weight %, about 5 weight % or less,when the solution is applied to the armpit since the average armpit isable to at least substantially completely heal any damage caused theretobetween applications of the fruit acid. In an embodiment, as will bediscussed in more detail below, the amount of the fruit acid may beselected based on the saturation level of the solution in an applicator(e.g., pad).

The solution also includes at least one probiotic. In an embodiment, theprobiotic is a bacteria, fungus, ferment (e.g., bacteria ferment), orother micro-organism that has minimal effect on body odor. In anembodiment, the probiotic includes Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus ferment,Saccharomyces ferment, Bifidobacterium, or Vitreoscilla.

In an embodiment, the probiotic exhibits antimicrobial properties. In anexample, antimicrobial properties of the probiotic may include theability to kill at least some of the same body odor causing bacteria asthe fruit acid. In such an example, the probiotic may cause the solutionto kill a greater percentage of the body odor causing bacteria than ifthe solution only included the fruit acid and/or may allow the solutionto include a lower concentration of the fruit acid. In an example, theantimicrobial properties of the probiotic may include the ability tokill at least some of the body odor causing bacteria that are resistantto the fruit acid. In such an example, the probiotic may cause thesolution to better inhibit or prevent body odor than if the solutiononly included the fruit acid. Examples of probiotics that exhibitantimicrobial properties include Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus ferment,Saccharomyces ferment, Bifidobacterium, and Vitreoscilla.

In an embodiment, the probiotic is selected to create a beneficial(i.e., non-body odor causing) microbiome in the portion of the body(e.g., armpit) that receives the solution. For example, the fruit acidand, optionally, the probiotic may alter the microbiome of the region ofthe body that receives the solution since the fruit acid and,optionally, the probiotic kill and/or inhibit the growth of bacteria andother microbes. Altering the microbiome of the region of the body thatreceives the solution may cause unintended side effects, such as dryskin or cause rashes to develop on the region. The probiotic maymitigate the side effects caused by altering the microbiome byfacilitating the growth of the microbiome. For example, the probioticmay cause the growth of a microbiome that does not include orsubstantially does not include bacteria that causes body odor. Examplesof probiotics that create a beneficial microbiome include Lactobacillus,Lactobacillus ferment, Saccharomyces ferment, Bifidobacterium, andVitreoscilla.

In an embodiment, the probiotic is an anti-inflammatory agent exhibitinganti inflammatory properties. For example, the fruit acid exfoliates theskin which, in turn, may damage the skin (e.g., by over-exfoliating theskin). The damaged skin may cause irritation and develop into a rash.However, the anti-inflammatory agent is selected to at least calm theirritation or facilitate healing of the skin. As such, selecting theprobiotic to be an anti-inflammatory agent may allow the solution toinclude a higher concentration of fruit acid (e.g., a solutionconfigured for use in the armpit may include less than 3 weight % fruitacid without the skin soother, depending on the embodiment), may allowthe solution to be applied more regularly to the body, allow thesolution to be applied to more sensitive regions of the body (e.g., thedry region of the armpit), or mitigate the effects of inadvertentlyapplying the solution to sensitive regions of the body (e.g., the dryportion of the armpit). Examples of probiotics that are alsoanti-inflammatory agents include Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus ferment,and Saccharomyces ferment.

The amount of the probiotic that is present in the solution is less thanthe amount of fruit acid that is present in the solution. For example,the amount of the probiotic that is present in the solution may be lessthan 5 weight %, less than 4.5 weight %, less than 4 weight %, less than3.5 weight %, less than 3 weight %, less than 2.5 weight %, less than 2weight %, less than 1.5 weight %, less than 1 weight %, less than 0.75weight %, less than 0.5 weight %, less than 0.25 weight %, less than 0.1weight %, or in ranges of 0.1 weight % to 0.5 weight %, 0.25 weight % to0.75 weight %, 0.5 weight % to 1 weight %, 0.75 weight % to 1.5 weight%, 1 weight % to 2 weight %, 1.5 weight % to 2.5 weight %, 2 weight % to3 weight, 2.5 weight % to 3.5 weight %, 3 weight % to 4 weight %, or 3.5weight % to 5 weight %. The amount of the fruit acid in the solution mayalso be about any of the above ranges or values disclosed above. Theamount of the probiotic that is present in the solution may be selectedbased on a variety of factors. In an example, the amount of theprobiotics that are present in the solution may depend on whether theprobiotic exhibits antimicrobial properties, creates a beneficialmicrobiome, is an anti-inflammatory agent, or any combinations thereof.In an example, the amount of the probiotics that are present in thesolution may depend on the amount of the fruit acid that is present inthe solution. For example, increasing the amount of fruit acid in thesolution may necessitate an increase in the amount of probiotic that ispresent in the solution, and vice versa. In an example, the amount ofthe probiotic that is present in the solution may depend on thesaturation level of the solution in the applicator, as discussed in moredetail below.

Optionally, the solution may include one or more components in additionto the at least one fruit acid and the at least one probiotic. In anembodiment, the solution includes at least one pH adjuster. The pHadjuster is selected to control the pH of the solution, such as when acomponent of the solution (other than the fruit acid) is not pH neutralor the pH of the solution needs to be adjusted to be safe to leave onthe intertriginous skin. Examples of the pH adjuster includes sodiumhydroxide and ammonium hydroxide. In an embodiment, the solutionincludes at least one anti-inflammatory agent. As previously discussed,the probiotic may be an anti-inflammatory agent. However, it may bebeneficial to include an anti-inflammatory agent other than a probiotic,for example, when the probiotic is not a skin soother or the probiotic,by itself, is not sufficient. Examples of anti-inflammatory agentsincludes Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Hamamelis virginianaextract, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, and allantoin. In an embodiment,the solution includes at least one antiseptic and/or antimicrobialagent. In an embodiment, the solution may include a chemical exfoliantin addition to the fruit acids. An example of a chemical exfoliantincludes at least one beta hydroxy acid. In an embodiment, the solutionmay include at least one humectant, such as glycerin, to act as anemollient. In an embodiment, the solution may include at least onesurfactant, emulsifier, and/or stabilizer, such as at least one ofsodium lauryl glucose, lauryl glucoside, PPG-5 Ceteth-20, polysorbate20. In an embodiment, the solution may include at least onepreservative, such as sodium benzoate or imidazolidinyl urea, which mayprevent bacteria growth in the solution and/or preserve the probiotic.

Optionally, the solution may be substantially free of one or morecomponents. In an embodiment, the solution is free from non-essentialoil fragrances since such fragrances may cause allergic reactions. In anembodiment, the solution is free from film-forming components that arecommonly used in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. Examplesof film-forming components includes aluminum salts, alum, charcoal,magnesium hydroxide, polymers, etc.

The deodorant (i.e., the solution) is configured to be applied to aregion of the body. For example, as previously discussed, the deodorantmay be applied to the armpit. It is noted that the deodorant may beconfigured to be applied to other regions of the body. For example, thedeodorant may be configured to be applied to the genitals, the perineum,the feet, the popliteal fossa (a.k.a., kneepit), the antecutibal fossa(a.k.a., elbow pit), other intertriginous skin regions, the neck, theback, the stomach, or the limbs.

The deodorant may include at least one applicator that is configured toapply the solution to the body. In an embodiment, the applicatorincludes at least one pad. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a deodorant100 that includes a pad 102, according to an embodiment. The deodorant100 includes a solution. The solution may include any of the solutionsdisclosed herein.

The pad 102 defines a plurality of pores (e.g., void space), configuredto contain and allow application of the solution therefrom. In anexample, the pad 102 includes a mass of fibers (e.g., woven or non-wovenfibers) and the pores are the space between the fibers. In an example,the pad 102 is a foam and the pores are the void space. In an example,the plurality of pores of the pad 102 may be interconnected such thatthe pores form passageways through the pad 102 or the plurality of poresof the pad 102 are not interconnected. The pores of the pad 102 mayexhibit an average pore size that is greater than 1 μm, greater than 2μm, greater than 3 μm, greater than 4 μm, greater than 5 μm, greaterthan 6 μm, greater than 7.5 μm, greater than 10 μm, greater than 15 μm,greater than 20 μm, greater than 40 μm, greater than 50 μm, greater than100 μm, greater than 250 μm, less than 500 μm, less than 200 μm, lessthan 100 μm, less than 50 μm, less than 40 μm, less than 20 μm, lessthan 10 μm, less than 7.5 μm, less than 5 μm, or in ranges of 1 μm to500 μm, 1 μm to 50 μm, 1 μm to 10 μm, 2.5 μm to 7.5 μm, 10 μm to 40 μm,10 μm to 100 μm, or 75 μm to 250 μm. The average pore size of the pad102 may also be about any of the above ranges or values disclosed above.At least some of the plurality of pores of the pad 102 are at leastpartially occupied by the solution. The pad 102 may be configured tohold the solution in the pores thereof while a user of the deodoranthandles the pad 102. The pad 102 may release some of the solution ontothe body of the user when the pad 102 contacts a region (e.g., armpit)of the user.

The pad 102 may exhibit a dimension 104. When the pad 102 exhibits agenerally circular shape (e.g., the pad 102 is a cylinder with minimalthickness), the dimension 104 of the pad 102 is the diameter of the pad102. When the pad 102 exhibits a non-circular shape (e.g., generallyrectangular shape), the dimension 104 is at least one of a maximumlateral dimension of the pad 102 or is a dimension measuredperpendicularly from an edge of the pad 102 to an opposing edge of thepad 102. The dimension 104 of the pad 102 may be greater than 3 cm,greater than 4 cm, greater than 5 cm, greater than 5.5 cm, greater than6 cm, greater than 6.5 cm, greater than 7 cm, greater than 10 cm,greater than 15 cm or in ranges of 3 cm to 15 cm, 4 cm to 8 cm, 5 cm to7 cm, 6 cm to 8 cm, or 6 cm to 7 cm. The dimensions 104 of the pad 102may also be about any of the above ranges or values disclosed above. Thedimension 104 of the pad 102 may be selected based on a number offactors. In an embodiment, the dimension 104 may depend on the region ofthe body that the pad 102 is configured to contact. For example, whenthe pad 102 is configured to contact the armpit, the dimension 104 ofthe pad 102 may be greater than 6 cm. It is currently believed by theinventors that pads exhibiting a dimension less than 6 cm, when used bythe unskilled user, are unlikely to contact substantially all of thearmpit which may allow the body odor causing bacteria to grow inuncontacted portions of the armpit. When the dimension 104 is greaterthan 7 cm, it may be difficult to avoid contacting the dry regions ofthe armpit with the pad 102. In an embodiment, the dimensions 104 of thepad 102 may be selected to be large enough to be gripped using twofingers (e.g., greater than about 3 cm) or three fingers (e.g., greaterthan about 5 cm).

The pad 102 may exhibit any suitable shape. In an embodiment, asillustrated, the pad 102 may exhibit a generally circular shape whichmay facilitate applying the solution to the generally curved regions ofthe armpit. In an embodiment, the pad 102 may exhibit a generallyrectangular (e.g., square) shape which may allow the pad 102 to morecompletely occupy certain types of packaging (e.g., the package 210 ofFIG. 2 ). In an embodiment, the pad 102 may define a cutout which mayfacilitate removing the pad 102 from a container that includes aplurality of pads 102.

The function of the pad 102 includes holding the solution therein.Optionally, the pad 102 is configured to exfoliate the skin. Forexample, the pores and the surface texture of the pad may be configuredand selected to exfoliate and remove sebum from the body. The materialselection of the pad 102 may depend on the desired function of the pad102. In an example, the pad 102 may be selected to include a hydrophilicmaterial which allows that pad 102 to retain the solution. Examples ofhydrophilic materials include rayon (i.e., regenerated cellulose derivedfrom plant sources), wool, cotton, linen, paper, bamboo, lyocell, othernatural fibers, or polypropylene. In an example, the pad 102 may beselected to exfoliate the skin (i.e., the surface of the pad 102 can beconfigured as a mechanical exfoliant) which may enhance the deodorant's100 ability to prevent or inhibit body odor by removing sebum depositsand desquamated skin cells from the epidermis. The ability of the pad102 to exfoliate the skin may depend on the surface roughness of the pad102 (e.g., caused by the pores and the surface features of the pad 102),and other characteristics such as stiffness of the surface features ofthe pad 102 (size and roughness of the fibers of the pad 102). Forinstance, increasing the surface roughness of the pad 102 may improvethe pad's 102 ability to exfoliate the skin. Examples of materials thatcan exfoliate the skin include rayon, cotton, linen, bamboo, lyocell,paper, and polypropylene. In an example, the pad 102 is configured to bebiodegradable (e.g., made from biodegradable material(s)) since the pad102 may be configured to be disposed of after a single use and using thedeodorant 100 daily may result in a significant amount of waste.Examples of materials that are biodegradable includes rayon, wool,cotton, bamboo, or paper.

The ability of the pad 102 to hold the solution and the ability of thepad 102 to exfoliate the skin may depend on the gram per square meter(“GSM”) of the pad 102. The GSM of the pad 102 is directly related tothe density, thickness, and porosity of the pad 102. In an example,decreasing the GSM of the pad 102 may increase the number of pores inthe pad 102 thereby increasing the amount of the solution that may beheld within the pad 102 and may increase the surface roughness of thepad 102. In an example, increasing the GSM of the pad 102 may increasethe thickness of the pad 102 which, in turn, may increase the rigidityof the pad 102. In either example, the pad 102 may exhibit a GSM of atleast 20 GSM, at least 50 GSM, at least 80 GSM, at least 100 GSM, atleast 120 GSM, at least 150 GSM, at least 200 GSM, at least 300 GSM, atleast 500 GSM, at least 1000 GSM, less than 1250 GSM, less than 750 GSM,less than 350 GSM, less than 200 GSM, less than 150 GSM, less than 100GSM, or in ranges of 25 GSM to 300 GSM, 50 GSM to 1000 GSM, 50 GSM to200 GSM, 75 GSM to 150 GSM, 50 GSM to 90 GSM, 70 GSM to 110 GSM, or 80GSM to 100 GSM. The GSM that the pad 102 exhibits may also be about anyof the above ranges or values disclosed above. It is currently believedby the inventors that a pad 102 exhibiting any of the above GSM is ableto hold a sufficient amount of the solution therein and, optionally, mayallow the pad 102 to be an efficient exfoliant.

As used herein, the specific saturation refers to the amount of thesolution that is present in the pad. The specific saturation is apercentage and is calculated using the equation SS=(WS/WP)*100, where SSis the specific saturation, WS is the weight of the solution in the pad102, and WP is the weight of the pad 102. In an embodiment, the specificsaturation is greater than 100%, greater than 200%, greater than 300%,greater than 400%, greater than 500%, greater than 600%, greater than700%, greater than 800%, greater than 900%, greater than 1000%, or inranges of 100% to 300%, 200% to 400%, 300% to 500%, 400% to 600%, 500%to 700%, 600% to 800%, 700% to 900%, or 800% to 1000%. The specificsaturation may also be about any of the above ranges or values disclosedabove. The specific saturation may be selected based on a number offactors. In an example, the specific saturation is selected based on theamount of the fruit acid that is present in the pad 102. For instance,the specific saturation may be selected to be about 100% to about 300%when the amount of the fruit acid in the solution is greater than 6weight % though, even at such low specific saturation, the fruit acidmay still cause irritation in the armpit. Likewise, the specificsaturation may be selected to be greater than 400% when the amount ofthe fruit acid in the solution is equal to or less than about 6 weight %and greater than 500% when the amount of the fruit acid in the solutionis equal to or less than about 5 weight %. In an example, the specificsaturation may be selected based on the size of the area that thedeodorant 100 is configured to be applied. For instance, the specificsaturation may be selected to be greater than 300% if the deodorant 100is configured to be applied to a single armpit or greater 500% if thedeodorant 100 is configured to be applied to two armpits. In an example,the specific saturation may be selected based on the sensitivity of theskin that the deodorant 100 is configured to be applied. For instance,when the deodorant is configured to be applied to the armpit, theinventors believe that the specific saturation should be less than about700% when the solution includes 6 weight % or less fruit acid or, morespecifically, 5 weight % or less fruit acid to avoid irritation to theskin when the deodorant is applied to the armpit daily over a prolongedperiod of time (e.g., over at least one week or over at least a month).

The pad 102 may be individually packaged. FIG. 2 is a front view of apackage 210 with a cutaway illustrating the pad 102 of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment. The package 210 may include one or morepanels 212 (e.g., film, rigid wall, etc.) that define a chamber 214. Thechamber 214 may be substantially fluid tight. A single pad 102 may bedisposed in the chamber 214. The pad 102 may be the same orsubstantially similar to any of the pads disclosed herein. In anembodiment, the package 210 may include one or more stress concentrators216 that facilitate opening of the package 210. The stress concentrators216 may include one or more zigzagged edges (as shown), one or moreperforations, etc.

Individually packaging the pad 102 (i.e., the package 210 includes asingle pad 102) has several benefits. In an example, individuallypackaging the pad 102 allows the specific saturation of the pad 102 tobe maintained. For instance, shipping and handling of the package 210may cause the solution to leave the pad 102. However, since the pad 102occupies a large portion of the chamber 214, the solution is likely toreenter the pad 102. In an example, individually packaging the pad 102facilitates usage of the pad 102 at various locations. For instance, itmay be easier to throw one or a few packages 210 into a bag that istaken on vacation or to the gym than a large container that includes aplurality of pads 102 since the package 210 is smaller.

In an embodiment, the package 210 is sold individually. In anembodiment, the package 210 may form part of a group. For example, FIG.3 is an isometric view of a group 320 that includes a plurality ofpackages 210, according to an embodiment. The group 320 includes acontainer 322 (e.g., box). The container 322 is configured to hold aplurality of packages 210. The packages 210 may be the same or similarto any of the packages disclosed herein. The container 322 may be open(as illustrated), may include a lid, or may be closed.

In an embodiment, the pads 102 may be stored within a package thatincludes a plurality of pads instead of a single pad. For example, thepackage that includes a plurality of pads may include the wrapper-typepackage illustrated in FIG. 2 , may include a rigid package with a twiston lid, or any other suitable package. Storing a plurality of pads in asingle package may decrease the volume required to store the pluralityof pads than if each of the plurality of pads are individually packaged.However, storing the plurality of pads in the same container may causeat least one or some of the pads 102 (e.g., the gravimetrically lowestpad) to have a higher specific saturation than other pads 102 or resultin premature drying of pads 102 that are not initially used.

It is noted that the applicator of the deodorant does not have to be apad as discussed above. In an example, the applicator of the deodorantmay be a sprayer having a reservoir that holds the solution and a nozzleconnected to the reservoir that is configured to spray the solution. Inan example, the applicator of the deodorant is an aerosol can. In anembodiment, the deodorant does not include an applicator. Instead, thesolution is stored in a reservoir and the solution may be poureddirectly onto the skin or poured onto an applicator (e.g., cotton swab)and the applicator is used to apply the solution to the skin.

The methods of using any of the deodorants disclosed herein includesapplying the solution to at least one region of the body. The method ofusing the deodorant may depend on the applicator of the deodorant. In anembodiment, when the deodorant includes a pad, the method may includeopening a package that includes the pad and removing the pad from thepackage. The method may then include gripping the pad and contacting thepad against the region of the body to apply the solution to the regionof the body. Contacting the pad against the region of the body mayinclude pressing the pad against the region of the body to squeeze moreof the solution from the pad. In an embodiment, when the deodorantincludes a sprayer or an aerosol can, the method may include directingthe nozzle of the deodorant towards the region of the body anddispersing the solution towards the region such that the solution isapplied to the region of the body. In an embodiment, when the deodorantdoes not include the applicator, the method may include pouring thesolution from a reservoir. The solution may be directly poured onto theregion of the body or may be poured onto a separate applicator and thenthe solution is applied to the region of the body using the applicator.

The method of using the deodorant may also depend on the region of thebody to which the deodorant is applied. In an example, the region of thebody includes the armpit. In such an example, the method may includeapplying the deodorant to the moist portion of the armpit (e.g.,contacting the pad against the moist portions of the armpit). The methodmay also include substantially avoiding applying the deodorant to thedry regions of the armpit (e.g., avoid contacting the pad against thedry portion of the armpit) to avoid irritating the dry portion of thearmpit. It is noted that substantially avoiding the dry region of thearmpit may be difficult, especially when the user of the deodorant isnot a skilled practitioner and, thus, it is expected that some of thesolution will be applied to the dry region of the armpit. In an example,the region of the body may include the feet, limbs, stomach, perineum,scrotum, anal region, back, or neck region of the body. In such anexample, the method may include applying the solution to the particularregion of the body. The method may also include substantially avoidingregions of the body that the solution is not configured to be appliedsince applying the solution to these regions may be ineffective or causeirritation.

In an embodiment, the method of using the deodorant includes contactinga pad against the region of the body such that the applicator does notexfoliate and/or remove sebum and desquamated skin cells from the regionof the body. In an embodiment, the method of using the deodorantincludes contacting the pad (e.g., a pad that is configured to exfoliateand/or remove sebum deposits and desquamated skin cells) against theregion of the body such that the pad exfoliates and/or removes sebum anddesquamated skin cells from the region of the body. In such anembodiment, the method may include rubbing the pad against the region ofthe body. The pad may exfoliate the region of the body due to thesurface roughness and/or the stiffness of the surface features of thepad. Further, the pad may remove the exfoliated sebum deposits anddesquamated skin cells by attaching the exfoliated sebum and desquamatedskin skins to the surface of the pad (e.g., via friction, electrostaticattraction, mechanical attachment), by disposing the exfoliated sebumand desquamated skin cells in the pores of the pad, or otherwise wipingthe exfoliated sebum deposits and desquamated skin cells from the regionof the body.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting.

Terms of degree (e.g., “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” etc.)indicate structurally or functionally insignificant variations, as willbe understood by a person having ordinary skilled in the art. In typicalexamples, when the term of degree indicates quantity, a person havingordinary skill in the art may interpret the term of degree to mean±5%,or ±2%, for example, as appropriate. In an example, when the term ofdegree is used to modify a shape, the term of degree indicates that theshape being modified by the term of degree has the appearance of thedisclosed shape. For instance, the term of degree may be used toindicate that the shape may have rounded corners instead of sharpcorners, curved edges instead of straight edges, one or more protrusionsextending therefrom, is oblong, is the same as the disclosed shape, etc.

We claim:
 1. A daily-use intertriginous skin deodorant, comprising: asolution comprising: a diluent; and a body odor inhibitor including atleast one fruit acid and at least one probiotic, the at least one fruitacid present at about 3 weight % to about 6 weight % of the solution;wherein the deodorant is configured to be applied daily to at least oneintertriginous skin region.
 2. The deodorant of claim 1, wherein the atleast one fruit acid includes glycolic acid.
 3. The deodorant of claim1, wherein the at least one fruit acid includes at least one of lacticacid or citric acid.
 4. The deodorant of claim 1, wherein the at leastone fruit acid is present at about 4 weight % to about 5 weight % of thesolution.
 5. The deodorant of claim 1, further comprising at least onepad defining a plurality of pores, the solution occupying at least aportion of the plurality of pores.
 6. The deodorant of claim 1, furthercomprising a sprayer, the sprayer including a nozzle and defining areservoir, the reservoir configured to hold the solution.
 7. Thedeodorant of claim 1, further comprising a can defining a reservoir, thereservoir configured to hold the solution.
 8. The deodorant of claim 1,wherein the solution is free of aluminum salts, alum, charcoal,magnesium hydroxide, and polymers.
 9. A method of using a daily-useintertriginous skin deodorant, the method comprising: contacting asolution against at least one intertriginous skin region daily, thesolution comprising: a diluent; and a body odor inhibitor including atleast one fruit acid and at least one probiotic, the at least one fruitacid present at about 3 weight % to about 6 weight % of the solution.10. The method of claim 9, wherein contacting a solution against atleast one intertriginous skin region daily is performed for a pluralityof days without irritating the at least one intertriginous skin region.11. The method of claim 9, wherein contacting a solution against atleast one intertriginous skin region daily includes contacting at leastone pad against the at least one intertriginous skin region, the atleast one pad defining a plurality of pores, the solution occupying atleast a portion of the plurality of pores.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein contacting a solution against at least one intertriginous skinregion daily includes spraying the solution out of a nozzle of asprayer, the sprayer including a reservoir at least partially occupiedby the solution.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein contacting asolution against at least one intertriginous skin region daily includesspraying the solution out of a can, the can including a reservoir atleast partially occupied by the solution.
 14. The method of claim 9,wherein contacting a solution against at least one intertriginous skinregion daily includes pouring the solution onto an applicator andcontacting the applicator against the at least one intertriginous skinregion.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least oneintertriginous skin region includes at least one armpit.
 16. The methodof claim 9, wherein the at least one intertriginous skin region includesat least one of genitals, perineum, popliteal fossa, or antecubitalfossa.
 17. The method of claim 9, further comprising contacting thesolution against at least one of feet, neck, back, stomach, or limbs.18. A daily-use intertriginous skin deodorant, comprising: a solutioncomprising: a diluent; and a body odor inhibitor including at least onefruit acid and at least one probiotic, the at least one fruit acidpresent at about 3 weight % to about 6 weight % of the solution, and theat least one probiotic present at about 0.1 weight % to about 5 weight %of the solution; wherein the deodorant is configured to be applied dailyto at least one intertriginous skin.